ANKARA
European leaders gathered in Brussels Sunday for a crucial Euro Summit to discuss a third bailout for Greece.
“We must reach an agreement today and I believe we will, as the future of Europe is at stake,” Martin Schulz, president of the European Parliament, told reporters outside huddled near the entrance before entering the meeting.
Jean-Claude Juncker, head of the European Commission had a similarly unwavering view: “I will fight until the very last millisecond for a deal and hope that we will have a deal."
French President Francois Hollande dismissed the idea of a temporary 'Grexit,' floated by Germany earlier in the day.
“There is 'Grexit' or no 'Grexit.' Greece is in the Eurozone or out of it,” he said. “But if it’s out of it, it’s Europe that is shrinking.”
“What’s at stake is Europe. It’s not just about the future of Greece,” he added. “It’s the concept we have of Europe.”
Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said: “I think we have to do our best to keep Greece in the Eurozone, but it can’t come at any cost, there is a limit to everything.”
“What was enough ten days ago might not be enough today because the situation in Greece has deteriorated,” he added.
Muscat said there was no unanimity among the leaders over whether to give Greece the bailout or not.
Slovenian Prime Minister Miro Cerar said his country would like to see Greece stay in the Eurozone, citing European solidarity and humanitarian reasons.
“We look forward to seeing if the Greek government is ready to fulfill its obligations,” he said. “We have lost a lot of trust in the Greek government due to past events, we hope this loss of trust can be rebuilt.”
Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny highlighted that trust was only won back incrementally in Ireland by working with the institutions.
“We are willing to work to bring this to a conclusion so negotiations can start on the details of an agreement that can keep Greece in the Eurozone,” he said.
Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said that the leaders were 'much closer' to an accord.
"It's not about Greece, it's about Europe. There is, as this shows, a great need for Europe."
